Atmar orders prompt measures to protect journalists

KABUL: Directing serious and prompt measures for protection of journalists, National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar has said educational scholarships would be arranged for children of slain journalists.

A statement from the NSA office said the joint government-media committee held an emergency meeting at Atmar’s office, after 10 journalists were killed in two separate attacks in Kabul and Khost province.

The meeting was attended by members of the federation of journalists and media organizations and government officials besides security and intelligence representatives.

At the start of the meeting, fateha was offered for the departed souls of those killed in Monday’s suicide attacks in Kabul.

Nine journalists were among 25 people killed in the attack while a 10th journalist, a BBC reporter, was gunned down by unknown assailants in Khost province the same day.

Speaking at the meeting at NSA office, Fahim Dashti, on behalf of the federation, presented his suggestions, demands and concerns to the national security advisor.

The joint committee stressed the need for providing security, protection to journalists and continued assistance to the families of slain reporters.

Terming their demands and suggestions as guiune, Atmar directed the authorities concerned to take immiate and prompt security measure for protection of journalists.

He also directed the formation of a mechanism under which families of slain journalists could be provided continued support.

Atmar said children of journalists who laid down their lives in the line of duty would be offered educational scholarships.